Teen Team Features

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We design our Earthwatch Teen Expeditions specifically and exclusively for 15- to 18-year-olds. They’re unlike any other experience a teenager can have.

Do something special this summer: protect shark populations in Belize, explore beautiful tropical reefs, and meet fascinating people from around the world.

When Dr. Demian Chapman arrived in Belize in 2000, he rarely saw shark meat in fish markets. But, he says, “This has changed. Today, fishermen are exploiting sharks in Belize almost without any regulation.” Fueled by the high prices paid for shark fins used in soup, fishermen are overfishing shark populations on an epic scale.

Help Dr. Chapman protect the coral reefs of Belize so that they can remain rich hunting grounds for these predators. Using baited remote underwater video cameras (BRUVs), his team has already determined that sharks are nearly absent on reefs where fishing is allowed. But they’ve also found reason to be hopeful: shark populations thrive in marine reserves, where fishing is banned.

By studying both legally protected and unprotected areas, you’ll help find out exactly how marine reserves strengthen shark populations. From a boat under the Caribbean sky, your team will deploy BRUVs to learn what’s happening in the water and catch sharks to take tissue samples for dietary analysis. This work will help save some of the world’s most fascinating creatures.

Each day of an Earthwatch teen expedition offers a balance of hands-on research and the chance to explore your surroundings and get to know the scientists and your teammates. Your team is led not only by professional researchers but also by at least one Earthwatch facilitator, who will always be around to help you get the most out of your experience.

Whether your team is based at South Water Caye or Glover’s Reef, you’ll work in the same beautiful settings on the same research tasks. Each day will begin with an early breakfast, and then half the team will hit the water and half will stay at the field station. Teams will:

Catch and study sharks. The team members on the boat will set out long lines to catch sharks. In the evening, they'll return to implant transmitters in and release any sharks caught and bring in the fishing equipment.

Observe ocean life. The team will set up BRUVs (baited remote underwater video cameras) at various spots in shallow water. From the field station, you'll analyze the video footage to see what sharks and other marine animals are up to.

Catalog fin samples. Also at the field station, team members will help organize and process the tissue samples taken from sharks by fishermen.

Both groups will break for lunch around midday, then switch assignments for the afternoon.

Your team and your facilitator(s) will also have some free time to go hiking, kayaking, and/or snorkeling. After a hearty dinner, you’ll have time to socialize or relax so you’re ready to seize all this tropical wonderland has to offer when the next day begins.

Take to the water with baited remote underwater video cameras (BRUVs).

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations and Food

Wireless Internet

Home-cooked Belizean food

You’ll stay at a field station on the sea, either at South Water Caye or Glover’s Reef. Both stations have dorm-style rooms with electric fans, showers, and refrigerators you can use to store some personal food.

You’ll enjoy three home-cooked meals a day, although you may sometimes take packed lunches out into the field. Most meals will feature Belizean cuisine, such as stewed meat or fish with rice and beans, complemented by a few nonlocal dishes.